Whippet Dog Breed Information

Looking for whippet dog breed information? Find out how it’s life with whippets, how fast they are, if they are good apartment dogs, if they are good with children and more.

Let’s face it, whippets are not the typical family dog, you would imagine more a labrador or a golden retriever in the classic family picture but actually whippets, despite their aristocratic looks are very easy going, fun and healthy dogs.

We lived with whippets for most of our family life and we can hardly imagine a home without at least one of them. They provided company, fun and a homely feeling wherever we where.

Often when I’m asked whippet dog information, people are surprised to find out that whippets don’t need to run at breakneck speed all the time and that they are really quiet indoor.

In this page, we will explore all whippet dog breed information you need to know including their characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and how they compare to other breeds like Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds.

We’ll also dive into specific questions about their suitability as apartment dogs, their interaction with babies, and more. I hope to debunk some myths about hounds and they behaviour.

What is a Whippet?

The Whippet is a medium-sized breed with a streamlined body designed for speed. Often mistaken for a smaller Greyhound, Whippets share a similar build, but they are more compact.

Their sleek coat, long legs, and deep chest make them one of the fastest dog breeds over short distances. Whippets are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for active individuals or families.

Are whippets good apartment dogs?

If you're considering adopting a Whippet and live in an apartment, you might be wondering if they are well-suited to smaller living spaces. The short answer is yes, Whippets can make great apartment dogs.

Their moderate energy levels and calm demeanor indoors make them adaptable to apartment living. While they do need regular exercise, Whippets are generally low-maintenance in terms of space requirements. They are content to lounge and relax inside, but make sure to provide them with daily walks and occasional runs to satisfy their athletic nature.

For more information on how Whippets fare in apartments, check out our detailed article on Are Whippets Good Apartment Dogs?.

Are whippets good with babies?

Whippets are known for their gentle and patient temperament, which makes them great companions for families with children, including babies.

They are typically calm and affectionate, and they enjoy being around their human family members. However, as with any dog, it is important to supervise interactions between babies and Whippets to ensure both the child and the dog are comfortable.

Early socialization and training can also help create a positive relationship between your Whippet and young children.

For more whippet dog breed information with babies and young children, read our comprehensive guide on Are Whippets Good with Babies?.

Are whippets good pets?

Whippets are considered excellent pets due to their affectionate, friendly, and laid-back nature. They bond closely with their owners and enjoy spending time with their family members. Whippets are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and cleaning, making them ideal for families or individuals looking for a dog that is easy to care for. Despite their independent streak, Whippets thrive on human interaction and will enjoy snuggling up with you at the end of the day.

If you're curious about whether a Whippet would make a good pet for your lifestyle, check out our full guide on Are Whippets Good Pets?.

Are Whippets Good Family Dogs?

Whippets are wonderful family dogs thanks to their gentle and playful nature. They get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats if properly introduced. Whippets enjoy a calm, structured environment and tend to be adaptable, making them a great choice for families of all sizes. Whether you're an active family that loves outdoor adventures or a more laid-back household, a Whippet will fit in well. They also tend to have a strong instinct to protect their family, making them loving and loyal companions.

Learn more about Whippets' suitability for families in our article on Are Whippets Good Family Dogs?

Differences between greyhounds, whippets and Italian greyhound

Though Greyhounds, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds share a similar appearance, they differ in size, temperament, and origin. Greyhounds are the largest of the three, standing around 28 to 30 inches tall. Whippets are medium-sized, measuring between 18 to 22 inches, while Italian Greyhounds are the smallest, typically standing 13 to 15 inches.

While Greyhounds are known for their calm and laid-back personalities, Whippets are a bit more playful and active, especially in their younger years. Italian Greyhounds, being the smallest, have a more sensitive nature and are often described as delicate.

To learn more about these three breeds, visit our page on Italian greyhound vs whippet and difference between greyhound and whippet

How fast is a whippet?

Whippets are known for their incredible speed. In fact, they are among the fastest dog breeds, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. This makes them exceptional racing dogs, historically used for coursing small game. Despite their speed, Whippets are surprisingly graceful and agile. They love running in open spaces, so providing them with opportunities to stretch their legs is essential to their well-being.

Whippets are very fast physically and mentally and in more ways than you would expect. They will surprise you and outsmart you in more ways than one. Find out how to be prepared.

What is a Bully Whippet?

The term "Bully Whippet" refers to a physical variation in the breed that can sometimes occur. Bully Whippets are typically more muscular and stocky compared to standard Whippets. This variation is a result of selective breeding and is not considered a standard for the breed, but it’s important to recognize the differences in build when discussing the breed's physical traits.

Read about Wendy the whippet, a strikingly muscular but still lovable dog.

Whippet Dog Breed Information: Long Haired Whippet

While the typical Whippet has a short coat, the Long-Haired Whippet is a rarer variation with a slightly longer, silky coat. These Whippets still maintain the same elegant build and affectionate nature but require more grooming to keep their coat in good condition. Long-haired Whippets are equally gentle and athletic, but they may need extra care to manage their fur.

The long haired whippet is not one of the recognized akc breeds. Sometimes classified in the rare dog breeds, these handsome hounds are gaining popularity.

To explore this unique variation, head to our article on What is a Long-Haired Whippet?.

Whippet Dog Breed Information: Whippet Temperament

Whippets are known for their sweet and gentle temperament. They are calm and relaxed at home but have bursts of energy when it’s time to play or run. Whippets are generally friendly, sociable, and good with both children and other pets. Though they can be independent at times, they thrive on human interaction and are known for their loyalty.

Discover the whippet temperament and behavior with children, dogs of other breeds, cats and small pets.

What About Whippet Personality Traits?

A whippet personality is unique like is the coat of each of these miniature greyhounds. Discover whippets' common traits and quirks.

How Big Do Whippets Get?

Whippets are a medium-sized breed. Males typically stand between 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are usually a bit smaller, ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Their slim, athletic build makes them appear more elegant than bulky, but they are solid and well-muscled.

Whippets in Europe and America are slightly different in size and structure. Find out what's the whippet ideal size in USA and Europe, how to measure your dog and what's the whippet's growth rate.

To learn more about their growth and size, check out How Big Do Whippets Get?.

Whippet Colours

Whippets come in a variety of colours and patterns, including fawn, brindle, black, blue, and white. They may have solid or mixed colours, with some sporting distinctive markings like a white blaze on the chest or a white tip on the tail. Their sleek coat is smooth and easy to care for.

Whippets come in any colour and colour combination, it's one of the many charms of this dog breed. No two whippets look the same!

Blue whippets are my personal favorite, find out more here about black and blue whippets.

For a full list of Whippet colours and patterns, visit What Colours are Whippets?

How Much Do Whippets Weigh?

Although whippets share the same essential physical traits, there are notable differences between those bred in different parts of the world.

Whippets typically weigh between 25 to 40 pounds, with males being on the heavier end of the scale. Their weight may fluctuate slightly depending on their activity level and diet, but they are generally a lean breed due to their high metabolism and active lifestyle.

Specifically, American whippets tend to be larger than their European counterparts. 

Learn more about their weight and fitness in our guide on How Much Do Whippets Weigh?.

How Long Do Whippets Live?

Whippets are a relatively healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. With proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups, many Whippets live long, happy lives.

How long do whippets live? Prospective owners often ask this crucial question. Click here to find out for how long you can expect to enjoy the company of your pet.

In conclusion, Whippets are a wonderful breed with a variety of traits that make them suitable for different lifestyles. Whether you're looking for a dog that can keep up with your active routine or one that enjoys lounging around the house, the Whippet may be the perfect companion.

If you’re considering adding a Whippet to your family, be sure to explore the whippet dog breed information linked above for more detailed information on specific topics!